Inside Iowa State

April 14, 2006

Gallery features Dalit artist

The Design College's Gallery 181 will showcase an exhibit featuring one of India's most renowned artists April 14-22. "Savi Savarkar and the Annihilation of Caste" features works that illustrate the plight of the Dalits, or "untouchables," in India's caste system. A Dalit himself, Savarkar has earned international recognition for his social commentary through art.

"Savi is the rare artist who has dealt with the evils of the caste system with the power of art in the very halls of the elite and upper castes," said professor of art and design Gary Tartakov. "This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see major work by a major artist and social figure in contemporary India, and to see powerful social criticism expressed through art."

Tartakov will present a public lecture, "An Untouchable Cries Out: The Dalit Art of Savi Savarkar" on April 17 at 7 p.m. in 181 Design Center.

Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free.

"Savi Savarkar and the Annihilation of Caste"

April 14-22

Design College Gallery 181